Saint Senan Liath’s Holy Well (No.2), Doonass Demense, Clonlara

Saint Senan Liath’s Holy Well

James Feeney

Saint Senan Liath’s Holy Well

James Feeney

Saint Senan Liath’s Holy Well

James Feeney

Townland: Doonass, Clonlara (Kiltenanlea)

Description of Holy Well and Landscape Setting

This well takes the form of a bullaun in the rock formation outside the northwest corner of the 15th century Kiltenanlea Church A bullaun is a stone with a basin like depression on its surface which often collects rainwater. The holy well is in excellent condition. The area is generally preserved through graveyard maintenance.

Saint and Feast Day Associated with Holy Well

Saint Senan’s feast day is traditionally 8th March. However it is celebrated locally on 15th August. No votive offerings were present at the time of the research visit. There was a tradition here at one time of bringing crockery, sometimes broken, to the holy well as an offering.

Natural Heritage around the Holy Well

Trees are present around the side of the church. There is a mixture of native Irish trees forming a windbreak around the graveyard. The well was dry on the day of the research visit. This was not unusuals the bullaun stone that forms the well would be dependent on rain water.

Heritage Attractions Nearby

Clonlara Village and the River Shannon are close by.

Additional Information

Some locals make a distinction between Saint Senan of Scattery Island and the Saint Senan associated with this well, who they call ‘Seanán’ Liath or Senan the Hoary. They believe Seanán Liath lived at a later time. Both Saint Senans share a feast-day on March 8th.